5-2

Major props to the Tigers for an impressive 5-2 record against the Yanks and Red Sox. With the big boys of the East coming to Comerica Park, I figured the Tigers would be brought down to Earth. Truth be told, their bats were inconsistent, but the decent starting pitching and continued bullpen excellence carried the day.

In the first game against the Yanks, the bullpen pitched a whopping six innings (thanks to D-train's illness) and gave up just two runs. The next day, the Yanks exploded for six runs against just-called-up Figaro and Coke. Yet, for the five other games in the home-stand, the bullpen pitched 17 innings, allowing just 3 runs (1.58 ERA). Solid.

The Tigers have built a reputation for finding a way to win this season. They've twice come back from six run deficits, against solid competition. These comebacks are in large part due to the bullpen. They just aren't allowing the dreaded tack-on runs. It's truly a helluva start for what's traditionally a weakness for the Tigers. Leading the charge is refreshed Joel Zumaya. The kid has a 1.9 ERA with a 1.0 WHIP. He's throwing 101 mph, down just 2 mph after his shoulder surgery. (Apparently, Zumaya's doctor is way better than Bonderman's.) And Valverde hasn't allowed a run since the second game of the season. It's an astonishing run.

I've held off on praising Valverde for fear of the TBDL curse (in reference to my old blog "That Ball Don't Lie"). If Valverde blows a save tonight, feel free to blame me.

As someone who was extremely critical of the Tigers during the offseason, I have to give credit to Dombrowski for assembling a solid 'pen. Despite missing the key lefty, Bobby Seay, the 'pen hasn't missed a beat.

Lottery

The Pistons find out tonight whether they'll be in the playoffs next season. Tonight is the NBA Draft Lottery! Whoo-hoo!

If the Pistons somehow land in the Top-3, they'll get a true talent. While this draft is better than last year's, it's not terribly deep with regard to big men. If the Pistons draft #7 or worse, their chances of finding a difference-maker drop significantly. In other words, a top 3 pick means a potential All-star; outside of top 3 means Jason Maxiell.

I suppose I'm not being fair. Many great players fall outside the top 3 every year. Recent success stories like Omri Casspi (#23), George Hill (#26), and Marc Gasol (#48) illustrate increased draft depth, mainly due to the European influx. And Joe D has shown a penchant for unearthing talent with the late picks (Memo, Tayshaun, Jerebko). Yet, those later picks tend to - at best - be role players. The Pistons need a star. A leader. A friggin' big man.

They got an 18% chance of landing a top-3 pick. Cross your fingers.